The Lady Cranes’ Rugby Africa Women’s 7s run ended in familiar heartbreak after a 17–10 semifinal loss to hosts Kenya, marking the second straight year Uganda has fallen one step short of the final despite a strong start.
Uganda had looked sharp in the quarters, beating 2012 champions Tunisia 31–12.
Peace Lekuru dominated the first half, creating tries for Lydia Namabiro and Samiya Ayikoru before scoring one herself.
Yvonne Najjuma kept the tempo high after the break with her trademark hard carries and a try to seal the win.
Still, warning signs were there. Uganda pushed all seven players into the defensive line, a gamble Tunisia punished twice. Those cracks would later prove costly.
Against Kenya, coach Charles Onen tried to steady things by using Ayikoru as a sweeper to counter the Lionesses’ kicking game. The adjustment helped, but defensive discipline remained an issue.
Kenya’s Freshiar Oduor struck twice in the first half, the second try coming from an intercepted pass on the stroke of halftime.
Lekuru pulled Uganda level at 10–10 early in the second half, and the Lady Cranes piled on pressure but couldn’t turn territory into points. Kenya reverted to kicks in behind, and one deep ball sparked Uganda’s undoing.
Janat Nandudu did well to collect it, but a rushed offload and a failed turnover attempt handed Kenya a decisive penalty.
After the hooter, the hosts crossed under the posts to lock in a 17–10 win.
Uganda once again showed spirit and flair but were undone by defensive lapses and small moments that swung the game.
They now face Madagascar in the bronze medal match, just as they did in the previous edition with a chance to finish their campaign on a positive note.
